One of the most common compliance questions is how often a fire risk assessment should be reviewed. The answer is not as simple as a fixed timescale.
UK fire safety law does not set a specific review period. Instead, it requires fire risk assessments to be kept under review and updated whenever necessary to remain suitable and sufficient.
This guide explains when a fire risk assessment must be reviewed, what triggers a review, whether annual reviews are required, and who is legally responsible.
In practice, fire risk assessments are commonly reviewed annually, but must always be reviewed sooner if changes occur or the assessment may no longer be valid.
Contents
- 1 Is There a Legal Review Period for Fire Risk Assessments?
- 2 When Should a Fire Risk Assessment Be Reviewed?
- 3 Is an Annual Fire Risk Assessment Review Required?
- 4 What Does a Fire Risk Assessment Review Involve?
- 5 Review vs New Fire Risk Assessment
- 6 Who Is Responsible for Reviewing a Fire Risk Assessment?
- 7 What Happens If a Fire Risk Assessment Is Not Reviewed?
- 8 Our Fire Risk Assessment Review Services
- 9 Conclusion
- 10 Frequently Asked Questions
Is There a Legal Review Period for Fire Risk Assessments?
No. There is no fixed legal review interval for fire risk assessments in the UK.
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the legal duty is that a fire risk assessment must be:
- Suitable and sufficient
- Kept under review
- Updated where it is no longer valid
The law focuses on ongoing accuracy, not on meeting a prescribed deadline such as “every 12 months”.
When Should a Fire Risk Assessment Be Reviewed?
A fire risk assessment should be reviewed whenever there is reason to believe it may no longer be valid.
Common triggers for review include:
- Periodic review (commonly annually as best practice)
- Changes to the building layout, structure, or fabric
- Alterations or refurbishment, including changes affecting escape routes or fire doors
- Change of use of the premises
- Change in occupancy levels or occupant profile
- Introduction of new fire hazards
- Following a fire, near-miss, or enforcement action
- New information or guidance affecting fire safety risk
If none of these apply, a review may simply confirm that the existing assessment remains suitable and sufficient.
Is an Annual Fire Risk Assessment Review Required?
An annual review is not a legal requirement, but it is widely regarded as best practice for most premises.
Annual reviews are commonly recommended because they:
- Demonstrate ongoing compliance
- Help identify gradual changes or deterioration
- Reduce the risk of an assessment becoming outdated
- Provide reassurance to enforcing authorities
For higher-risk or more complex premises, reviews may be required more frequently. For very low-risk premises, reviews may be less frequent provided no changes have occurred.
What Does a Fire Risk Assessment Review Involve?
A review is not always a full reassessment.
A fire risk assessment review typically considers:
- Whether the premises have changed
- Whether fire hazards remain the same
- Whether fire safety measures are still adequate
- Whether previous actions have been completed
- Whether the assessment remains suitable and sufficient
Where changes are identified, the review may result in:
- Updates to the existing assessment
- Additional recommendations
- Or a new fire risk assessment if required
If you are unsure whether your assessment requires a review or a new assessment, professional advice can help ensure the correct approach is taken.
Review vs New Fire Risk Assessment
It is important to distinguish between a review and a new fire risk assessment.
A review may be sufficient where:
- The building and its use have not changed
- Fire risks remain low and controlled
- Fire safety measures remain appropriate
A new assessment is usually required where:
- Significant building alterations have taken place
- The use or occupancy has changed
- New risks have been introduced
- The existing assessment is no longer suitable or sufficient
Competent judgement is required to determine which approach is appropriate.
Who Is Responsible for Reviewing a Fire Risk Assessment?
The Responsible Person is legally responsible for ensuring that the fire risk assessment is reviewed and kept up to date.
This responsibility:
- Cannot be delegated away
- Remains with the Responsible Person even if consultants are used
- Applies whether the premises are commercial or residential common parts
Failure to review an assessment when required may result in the assessment being treated as invalid.
What Happens If a Fire Risk Assessment Is Not Reviewed?
An out-of-date fire risk assessment can lead to:
- Enforcement notices from the fire authority
- Requirement to carry out a new assessment
- Prosecution for non-compliance
- Unlimited fines
- Imprisonment in serious cases
Enforcing authorities consider whether the Responsible Person has taken reasonable and proportionate steps to keep the assessment under review.
Our Fire Risk Assessment Review Services
At Fire Risk Assessment Network, we carry out proportionate fire risk assessment reviews that reflect the building, its use, and current legal expectations.
Our reviews:
- Confirm whether an existing assessment remains suitable and sufficient
- Identify where updates or further action are required
- Avoid unnecessary full reassessments
- Provide clear, defensible advice for compliance
We support Responsible Persons across a wide range of premises.
Conclusion
There is no fixed legal timescale for reviewing a fire risk assessment. What matters is that it is kept under review and updated whenever it may no longer be valid.
Regular reviews — commonly carried out annually — help ensure ongoing compliance, protect occupants, and reduce the risk of enforcement action. The Responsible Person must ensure reviews are carried out appropriately and acted upon.
If you need advice on reviewing your fire risk assessment or require a professional review, contact Fire Risk Assessment Network today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should a fire risk assessment be reviewed?
There is no fixed legal timescale. A fire risk assessment must be kept under review and updated whenever there is reason to believe it is no longer valid. In practice, many organisations review their fire risk assessment annually as a matter of best practice.
Is an annual fire risk assessment review a legal requirement?
No. UK fire safety law does not require an annual review. The law requires that fire risk assessments are suitable and sufficient and kept under review. An annual review is commonly recommended but is not a statutory deadline.
When must a fire risk assessment be reviewed?
A fire risk assessment should be reviewed after significant changes to the building, its use, occupancy, or fire safety measures, following a fire or near-miss, or when new information suggests the assessment may no longer be accurate.
Does a review always mean a new fire risk assessment?
No. A review may simply confirm that the existing assessment remains suitable and sufficient. A new fire risk assessment is usually only required where significant changes have occurred or the existing assessment is no longer valid.
Who is responsible for reviewing a fire risk assessment?
The Responsible Person is legally responsible for ensuring that the fire risk assessment is reviewed and kept up to date. This responsibility cannot be delegated, even if consultants or contractors are used.
